Bible Ballistics: BBs #714   Why Here? Why Now? Why Me?

 

I would like to share some thoughts with you this morning about God’s faithfulness and His totally trustworthy sovereignty!  We’ve all asked these questions at various time—particularly “Why Me?”!  But scripture assures us that if we will learn to depend fully on our God, our Lord and Savior, we will walk in victory; even when we don’t understand we can take Jesus at HIS Word, for no matter where, or when trials come, we are NEVER alone!  So, let’s start there, and remember ‘conversation’ is a reference to ‘life-style’ not just our speech!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

Are you walking in contentment or are you allowing the enemy to lead you into disruption, distrust, and subtle dissatisfaction?  When we walk in contentment and the confidence of knowing “our God reigns”, we will find that “peace…..which passeth all understanding”!

“But godliness with contentment

is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world,

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment

let us be therewith content.”  1 Timothy 6:6-8

And while it seems that “contentment” is the antithesis of the American dream, it isn’t and even if it were, it’s what God has called us to!  In fact, discontent is one of the chief factors that drive us into bad situations (by our own bad choices, more often than not!).  Even as Jesus’ message to John in The Revelation, we must consider our ways in light of God’s Word—and to do that we must be IN The Word.

“Blessed is

he that readeth,

and they that hear

the words of this prophecy,

and keep those things

which are written therein:

for the time is at hand.”   Revelation 1:3

The blessing isn’t promised to those who simply read or peruse the ‘words’ that are written in this message, but to those who read it—hear it (regarding what they hear)—and keep it!  We must heed all of God’s Word and pursue our relationship with Jesus, knowing that like Esther we are here for God’s purposes!

“and who knoweth

whether thou art come to the kingdom

for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:4b

And, my dear friends, if there ever were “such a time as this”—it is now, and we must, absolutely must, “stand fast in the evil day” which is upon us!  But stand in God’s power, wisdom and ways not our own.

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying,

This is the word of the LORD

unto Zerubbabel, saying,

Not by might,

nor by power,

but by my spirit,

saith the LORD of hosts.”   Zechariah 4:6

It’s the how and why of Paul’s encouragement to the Philippian believers.  It’s how we live, walk and have victory in all we do!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me…

… 19 But my God

shall supply all your need

according to his riches in glory

by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13 & 19

Are you wrestling with blame, confusion, uncertainty, or just plain fear of the future?  God has a better way for you!

“For God hath not given us

the spirit of fear;

but of power,

and of love,

and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

Don’t succumb to the enemy of your soul, but stand fast in the truth that truly, “our God reigns”!  And Satan is a defeated foe!  Jeremiah is often referred to as the ‘weeping prophet’ because his task was difficult and God told him beforehand that it would be—but God supplied his every need and his burden for truth and God’s people was beyond comprehension, and perhaps these words of Jeremiah’s that mean so much to me in making it through some difficult struggles will also speak to you today.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD,

If thou return,

then will I bring thee again,

and thou shalt stand before me:

and if thou take forth the precious

from the vile,

thou shalt be as my mouth:

let them return unto thee;

but return not thou unto them.

20 And I will make thee unto this people

a fenced brasen wall:

and they shall fight against thee,

but they shall not prevail against thee:

for I am with thee

to save thee

and to deliver thee,

saith the LORD.

21 And I will deliver thee

out of the hand of the wicked,

and I will redeem thee

out of the hand of the terrible.”   Jeremiah 15:19-21

Jesus gave us our marching orders and HIS way is always best, even when the way looks long and dreary (what Oswald Chambers refers to as “the mundane”), or even scary– our God is ever by us, before us, behind us and is causing our steps to glorify HIM!

“Having your conversation honest

among the Gentiles:

that, whereas they speak against you

as evildoers,

they may by your good works,

which they shall behold,

glorify God

in the day of visitation.”  1 Peter 2:12

Jesus’ own words direct our hearts, steps, and our choices:

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

In closing, what do we think and do?  We guard our hearts and minds from the enemy of our souls; and think on the things of God, as someone once said— “Check the enemy at the door of your mind!”  Don’t let the “Father of lies” deceive you into less than GOD has for you!

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing

by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”  Philippians 4:6-8

I pray that we will all march forward to victory in Jesus (that would make a great song!) each day, knowing that:

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God,

all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small

and great.

6 And I heard as it were the voice

of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad

and rejoice,

and give honour to him….”   Revelation 19:5-7a

May you have a blessed week and keep your eyes fixed on the prize—Jesus.  Don’t let the bend in the road distract you from God’s love and purposes!

“…God is love…”!

Amen and Amen!!!